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Best Lemon Brownies with Tangy Glaze

A close-up of a single, moist square of bright yellow lemon brownies topped with white glaze and lemon zest.

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You must try these lemon brownies. They have a dense, fudgy texture and bright citrus flavor, topped with a simple, tangy lemon glaze. This easy bar recipe cuts well and tastes gourmet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • For the Glaze: 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • For the Glaze: 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined.
  3. Whisk in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until just mixed.
  5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should look set, and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
  9. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is important for fudgy texture.
  10. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Add more powdered sugar or juice, one teaspoon at a time, to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
  11. Once the brownies are cool, drizzle the tangy lemon glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set before cutting into squares.

Notes

  • For an extra bright flavor, use fresh lemons only. Bottled juice changes the taste.
  • If you prefer a slightly thicker, fudgier bar, use an 8×8 inch pan instead, but increase the baking time by about 10 minutes.
  • These lemon brownies keep well covered at room temperature for up to three days.

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